Hero Association

At the center of the guild hall, the atmosphere grew tense as everyone gathered.

Shidou Shiranui stood in front of them all. His sharp eyes scanned the room before speaking clearly.

"Ryker Tensai. You've been summoned by the Hero Association," Shidou announced.

Ryker, leaning lazily against the wall, raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"

Shidou shook his head. "I don't know. But orders are orders.But it's important. Jasmine, Katsuragi, it's your responsibility to keep Ryker safe during this mission."

"Roger that," she added sharply, nodding toward the leader.

Sol clapped Ryker's back. "Don't worry, man."

Ryker gave a half-smile. "I'm not."

"He doesn't fear anything," Celica added with a smirk.

Aisa stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "He's strong. Stronger than before."

Hero Association, Japan

The Hero Association of Japan serves as the central authority above all hero guilds. It manages most high-level cases, ensuring order between the scattered forces of justice. Most decisions of major importance begin with a gathering like this—summoning those capable of shaping the future.

And Ryker Tensai had just been called to the center of it.

Yoichi Ichikawa, the esteemed chairman of the Hero Association, is widely regarded as one of the strongest heroes the world has ever known.

The black car cut through the city streets like a blade through silence. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, yet a strange anticipation lingered in the air.

Ryker sat by the window, eyes lost in the shifting scenery.

"Jasmine Katsuragi, take a seat," he said quietly.

Jasmine, seated across from him, glanced his way. "What's on your mind, Ryker?"

Ryker turned his head slightly. "Yoichi Ichikawa… he's considered the strongest hero, right?"

She nodded. "Yes. He's more than just strong—he's a symbol."

A faint spark flickered in Ryker's eyes. "Then I want to fight him."

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "That's your choice. But if you do… try not to die."

He smirked. "How many years has he been chairman?"

"Around twenty," Jasmine replied. "He's led the Association longer than most heroes have been alive."

Ryker leaned back, his expression unreadable. "I want to say something to the chairman."

Jasmine tilted her head. "What is it?"

He looked forward, determination burning in his voice. "I'll ask him directly."

Outside, the car surged forward, racing toward the towering headquarters of the Hero Association.

The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the towering structure of the Hero Association. The air buzzed with anticipation. Today wasn't just a meeting—it was a convergence of legends.

Ryker stepped out, his black jacket fluttering in the breeze. His eyes lifted toward the grand entrance, where powerful auras gathered like storm clouds.

Inside the main hall, elite heroes and guild leaders stood in solemn silence. Among them, Shidou Shiranui stood firm, eyes as cold as ever.

Beside him stood a man Ryker hadn't seen in years—Misaki Yoshida, Sol's father.

But to Ryker, he was more than that.

He was his old mentor.

"…Misaki," Ryker murmured, eyes narrowing as old memories surfaced—brutal training, silent guidance, and harsh but honest truths that shaped who he was today.

Misaki Yoshida looked almost unchanged. Tall. Intense. Regal. His gaze swept across the room, landing on Ryker with a faint nod — not as a stranger, but as a teacher seeing his student once again.

"You've grown."

That single glance said it all.

Beside Ryker, Jasmine Katsuragi observed the moment with interest.

"So he's your old mentor?" she asked, her voice low.

Ryker nodded without looking away.

"Yeah… the one who taught me what it meant to fight. What it meant to survive."

Just then, Aria-sensei entered with her signature calm presence, acknowledging Ryker with a slight smile.

The hall felt heavier now. Not from fear — but from legacy.

Ryker, the disciple of Misaki. Sol, the son of Misaki. And now, all paths converging under the roof of the Hero Association.

The true story was about to begin.

The grand chamber of the Hero Association fell into an eerie silence. Dozens of heroes and guild leaders stood like statues, their eyes sharp, their presence overwhelming. No one spoke. No one dared.

The air was heavy. The weight of authority and expectation filled the space.

Ryker stepped into the room, walking calmly behind Jasmine Katsuragi, his black jacket trailing behind him like a shadow.

At the far end of the room, seated at a polished obsidian desk, was Yoichi Ichikawa, the legendary chairman of the Hero Association. His cold, observant eyes locked onto Ryker with the weight of two decades of leadership.

He spoke first, his voice echoing.

"You are Ryker Tensai?"

Ryker nodded. "Yes. I am."

Yoichi turned his attention to Jasmine.

"And you… Jasmine Katsuragi. That's correct?"

She gave a respectful bow.

"Yes, sir. I am Ryker's team leader."

A moment of silence passed.

"Why do you think you're here?" Yoichi asked, folding his hands.

Ryker's eyes narrowed. "That's what I want to know."

The chairman gave a smirk. "Oh? Are you so sensitive?"

Ryker sighed faintly. "Ahh..."

Then Yoichi's voice sharpened.

"Why did you kill those people?"

Ryker didn't hesitate.

"Because they were criminals."

Yoichi leaned forward slightly. "But it wasn't your mission, was it?"

"No... But a hero's duty is to protect people," Ryker said firmly.

Yoichi's lips curved slightly at the edges. "So you mean you took responsibility?"

"Yeah," Ryker answered without fear.

There was a pause—then Yoichi nodded once.

"Okay then. Go and prove it."

Just as Ryker was about to turn, he stopped and looked back.

"I want to ask something."

Yoichi raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Ryker's eyes hesitated for a moment.

"You know..." he muttered, then shook his head, "…Nothing."

With that, he turned away, leaving behind a hall full of heroes who now saw him as something more than just another recruit.

They saw a storm beginning to form.

Inside the chairman's private room, the atmosphere was even more intense than before. Unlike the grand chamber, this space was quiet—refined, yet heavy with tension.

Chairman Yoichi Ichikawa sat at the head of a darkwood table, fingers steepled beneath his chin, eyes locked onto the young man who stood before him.

"Ryker Tensai," Yoichi said, voice calm but probing. "What was it you wanted to ask me earlier?"

Ryker met his gaze, silent for a moment. Before he could answer, a sharp voice came from the side.

To the chairman's right, his loyal assistant stood tall, arms folded behind his back.

"What seems to be the issue, sir?" the assistant asked, observing both men closely.

But Yoichi didn't look away from Ryker. Instead, he asked again, his tone more thoughtful now.

"Ryker Tensai… What do you think is the difference?"

Ryker tilted his head slightly. "Difference? Between what?"

Yoichi's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Between a hero… and someone who merely plays the part."

The silence hung for a moment, dense and sharp. It wasn't just a question—it was a challenge.